August 15th 2025 is the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and the effective end of World War Two. It was a war like no other in human history and cost millions of lives across the globe. Britain was at the centre of the war, being the only fighting country in Western Europe not to have succumbed to the Nazi invasion (along with their Italian allies). We honour below just a few of the stories of the "greatest generation" who made sacrifices and endured hardships that enable us to enjoy better lives than they did. Britevents Northwest thanks the family of the listed honourees for providing their photos and information.
Joseph W. Roundhill was a dual citizen of the UK and USA. During World War Two, JW (as he was fondly known) served in both the British Royal Air Force in pilot training and then the 379th Bomb Group of the US Eighth Air Force where he flew on 35 missions over enemy occupied Europe, as a right-waist & nose gunner on a Boeing B-17G aircraft. After his missions he then returned home to American soil on December 31, 1944 after successfully eluding the U-boat packs at a speed of 17 knots across the Atlantic Ocean in the famous hospital ship Marine Wolf. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals and he has received the French Legion of Honor. JW was an active member of the Seattle Brit Meetup group until his death, aged 97, in 2021. He remains the only person to be appointed a lifetime Honorary Member of Britevents Northwest.
Ruth volunteered after her friend was killed on HMS Hood. She became a leading Wren and served for 4 years. The majority of her time was spent at HMS Quebec, a land base in Scotland which was part of the Combined Operations unit where approximately 250,000 troops got amphibious training. Ruth recently celebrated her 101st birthday in England. You can find more about her wartime experiences by clicking HERE.
Nominated by Elaine Barnwell (daughter)
Ron was drafted into the Navy when he was 19. He became an electrical wireman and worked on the D-Day landing craft during training. He was actually sent to the Far East before D-Day and remained over there until 1946. He was in the Battle of Rangoon. He met Ruth (see above) when they were both at HMS Quebec and they married in 1947.
You can find more about his wartime experiences by clicking HERE
Nominated by Elaine Barnwell (daughter)
John Spratt was a navigator in the RAF 179 Squadron from 1940 to 1946. He flew Wellington Bombers on U-boat patrols out of Gibraltar, protecting the Western entrance to the Mediterranean, and merchant fleets crossing the Atlantic. He flew in the D-Day Brest Blockade, pinning 50 U-boats in the port of Brest and protecting the allied fleet and landing forces from submarine attack. After two tours, he was posted to RAF Silloth as a navigation instructor, where he met his wife of 67 years WAAF Officer June Williams (see below). After VE Day he was deployed to the Far East to fight the Japanese. Click HERE to find out more about John's wartime service. Nominated by Sue Alemann (daughter).
Section Officer June Williams enlisted in 1941 as an Aircraft Woman 2nd Class. She was posted to RAF Limavady in Northern Ireland as a Torpedo Attack Training Supervisor. The training dome where she served was restored in 2025, and features exhibits about her service. SO Williams quickly rose through the ranks and was commissioned in 1942. She served as a Section Officer and Adjutant to the Commanding Officer at RAF Silloth, where she was responsible for both WAAF and RAF personnel. She resigned her commission in 1946, retaining her rank. Nominated by Sue Alemann (daughter).
Prior to D Day, Louis was in the Somerset Light Infantry, then , Churchills secret underground army, the Auxilliaries. Based in Northumberland , the unit were designed to resist German occupation after expected invasion of England. Commanding Officer was the actor Anthony Quayle. Louis then joined the SAS. Louis' section (Troop) parachuted into Normandy at night 4th June 1944 to disrupt enemy communications, supply etc. In July his 7 man team were inserted into southern Normandy (behind the lines) to observe Panzer Grenadier movement. Radio dispatches subsequently resulted in RAF hitting Grenadiers hard. He also operated in Germany and Norway (Bergen) in 1945, interrogating German POW's, and searching for war criminals. He was discharged October 1945, with "exemplary character ". Nominated by Steve Furneaux (Grandson).
Paratrooper James Tofield, pictured giving the salute, was a serving member of the British Army and a member of the Pegasus Brigade during World War Two. He was active in the D-day landings. He also went on to serve in the Korean War, a war he refused to ever talk about. Paratrooper Tofield is buried in the Paratroopers cemetery in Putney Vale Cemetery, London. Nominated by Paula Shrimpton (Granddaughter).
Quarter Master Sergeant Charles “Alfred” Gallagher served in the 133rd Mixed Heavy Anti-aircraft Artillery (Ack-Ack) Regiment. Some of the locations he served at were Tregantle Fort guarding the Navy docks at Plymouth, Easton in Gordano, Norton Malreward near Chew Magna, Grimsby, and Bristol (Radar site with American Mk 5 radar and UK Mk3 Radar). Nominated by Dave Gallagher (son).
Private Arthur Baxter was a member of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders landed on D-Day with 27 officers and 565 men. He was a prominent battalion footballer. He died, age 33, in service to his country on September 5th 1944 in Italy and his grave is at Gradara War Cemetery, Italy. Nominated by Avril Ferguson (niece).
John was born in August, 1925 in London, England and served in the Royal Air Force overseas in India as a lorry driver during World War Two. He was sent home in 1945 after Japan surrendered. Nominated by Lee Capell (nephew).
Reginald Simcox was one of the lucky ones evacuated from Dunkirk Beach earlier in the war. He also served for a time in North Africa. He was on active service in Sicily on 6th June 1944 with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. Records show he was there from 29/8/43 to 2/7/44. He was injured in Italy after D-Day. A piece of shrapnel entered his back, and it was 3 days before they could get him out for full medical treatment. If the shrapnel had been 1/2” nearer his spine he would have been crippled for life. Nominated by Stephen Caldwell (Grandson)
VENUE: Murray Hill Tap House, Beaverton, Oregon
WHEN: Saturday, May 10th from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm
APPOINTMENT IS NOT REQUIRED
We have limited seating so we do advise you reserve a chair. You are reserving a chair for one hour. Click HERE to reserve a chair.
GUESTS are welcome but you will need to ask for a separate table at check-in if you bring more than one guest. You can also reserve a table through the venue website (link above). Steve will visit your table once you notify him you have arrived.
YOU ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE FOOD AND/OR DRINK IF YOU OCCUPY A CHAIR OR TABLE. This is a courtesy to the venue.
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION BUT CANNOT ATTEND?
You can use the button above BUT we will only get to your question and respond once we have exhausted any follow up activity with those attending. This may take several weeks. The EXCEPTION is if you have a US immigration, US/UK tax, or UK Pension question. We will put you in touch with one of our professional sponsors on the right hand side of this page.
WHAT IS "ASK A BRIT"?
Event Sponsors
ASK A BRIT is an informal drop-in social event hosted by the Britevents Northwest General Manager, Steve Caldwell. This is an opportunity to tap in to Steve's wide ranging networking experiences as an ex-pat in the region and knowledge of Britishness in historical, political, cultural, and business contexts.
MOST PARTICULARLY, Do you want to engage with other Brits or maybe share your experiences of Britain with others? Do you have concerns as a Brit in the USA in the current political / social climate?
SOME SAMPLE QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:
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How can I find other Brits from my home town in the UK?
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I have a skill unique to Britain I would like to share e.g. make Yorkshire puds, play flat or crown green bowls, play the bagpipe, How can you help? Similarly, I am very knowledgeable about something uniquely British I would like to share e.g. expert on the Royal family, British literature, British sports cars. Can you help?
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I want to organize a Brit themed event. Can you help with funding/promotion/resources?
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I am worried about my immigration status in the US. Do you have any advice?
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I want to "twin" with someone who has a shared interest in an aspect of British culture e.g. food, history, sport, music, current affairs. Can you help?
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I miss celebrating British customs e.g. Bonfire night, playing bingo, speaking in dialect. Can you help?
M Squared Tax
International Tax Advisers
Watson Immigration Law
US Immigration Advisers
Florin Pensions
UK Pension Transfer Advisers
SOME OTHER ISSUES TO RAISE:
Starting a business or a side job
US Health Insurance or Medicare
Managing risks at home and insurance
Promoting a nonprofit organization
UK Government issues
UK Voting rights